Liverpool Set to Compete with LaLiga Giants for PL Star Deemed ‘Better’ Than Declan Rice by Former Red

Liverpool could find themselves in a head-to-head battle with Barcelona in pursuit of a highly regarded midfielder, deemed better than Declan Rice by a former Red.

As reported by Football Insider on Monday, the Anfield giants are gearing up to compete with LaLiga champions Barcelona and Arsenal for the signature of Douglas Luiz. However, any potential move for the Aston Villa midfielder is anticipated to take place in the summer, as opposed to the ongoing transfer window.

Sources suggest that Unai Emery’s side might encounter challenges in retaining the 25-year-old during the off-season, as he will enter the final two years of his contract at Villa Park.

Douglas Luiz has played a pivotal role in Aston Villa’s unexpected title challenge in the current Premier League season. His impressive record of six goals and three assists has contributed significantly to Villa’s position, trailing league leaders Liverpool by only two points at the midway point of the campaign.

WhoScored rates Luiz as the second-highest performer for Villa, with an impressive rating of 7.16, surpassed by only three players at Anfield.

Former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant expressed his opinion before Villans’ victory over Arsenal last month, stating that the 25-year-old “can do everything that Rice can do and better,” a statement made shortly after the £105m Arsenal ace scored a stoppage-time winner against Luton.

In certain reports (GIVEMESPORT), Luiz has been appraised at £70m, a substantial valuation albeit not extraordinary in contemporary football for a player of his caliber within a team positioned closely to the summit of the Premier League.

At the age of 25, the Brazilian finds himself in the opportune phase, possessing considerable top-tier experience and entering the zenith of his career, showcasing a proven ability to significantly contribute in terms of goal-scoring.

Despite FSG’s known inclination towards financial prudence, history reveals their willingness to invest significantly in players desired by Jurgen Klopp. Examples include Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Dominik Szoboszlai, all acquired for £60m or more.